Auguste gets chance to impress at USC's Pro Day

Published: Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 9:37 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 9:37 p.m.

Akeem Auguste’s career at South Carolina got off to a promising start, but after battling injuries the past two seasons he became frustrated with his body for not allowing him to do what he wanted to do.

His inability to stay on the field (he missed the entire 2011 season and five games in 2012) likely kept him from getting an invite to the NFL Combine. But the former Carolina cornerback got an opportunity to show off his skills at USC’s Pro Day in front of representatives from 31 of the 32 NFL teams.

He believes he took advantage of his opportunity to impress the scouts in attendance.

“I was very disappointed I didn’t get to go to the combine, but I guess not playing as many games my senior year, it’s whatever. We’ll see what happens. I feel like I did what I needed to do,” he said. “(My career) was very frustrating, just the fact that I couldn’t finish what I started (because of injuries), but at the same time I came in every season and did what I had to do, just the little bit I did.”

Auguste actually began battling injuries early in his career, missing the Florida game, most of the Clemson game and the Iowa game during his freshman season in 2008 because of a hamstring injury.

He started nine games in 2009 and was a key playmaker at cornerback.

During his junior season he had his most productive campaign, playing in all 14 games with 10 starts at free safety. He was sixth on the team in tackles with 58 stops.

He transitioned back to cornerback before the 2011 season but was forced to request a medical redshirt because of a foot injury.

Despite battling injuries again during his senior season, he showed flashes of his playmaking ability with a key interception in USC’s win over Arkansas and a fumble recovery that sealed Carolina’s win over Wofford.

When Auguste arrived at USC, the Gamecocks were coming off a 6-6 season that didn’t include a bowl game invite. He said it was great helping turn around the program.

“To win 22 games in two years, that’s really big. I don’t think that’s ever been done here. We set the foundation,” he said. “My time here was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. I can’t regret nothing that happened. I just loved being around my teammates and the group of guys I’ve been with and coaches. I had a great coaching staff.”

While Auguste saw time at different positions in USC’s secondary, he doesn’t have a preference of where he wants to play at the next level.

“A lot of people say a corner, nickel-type deal. I’m going to get in where I fit in. If it’s special teams, I’m going to do that. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get my shot,” he said.

Auguste has a workout set for Wednesday with the Dolphins and admitted that after growing up in Hollywood, Fla., it’d be nice to go back home. But deep down he just hopes he gets a shot with some team.

“It doesn’t matter. I just want to keep playing football. Wherever it is and whoever it’s for, I’ll be happy.”

<p>Akeem Auguste's career at South Carolina got off to a promising start, but after battling injuries the past two seasons he became frustrated with his body for not allowing him to do what he wanted to do.</p><p>His inability to stay on the field (he missed the entire 2011 season and five games in 2012) likely kept him from getting an invite to the NFL Combine. But the former Carolina cornerback got an opportunity to show off his skills at USC's Pro Day in front of representatives from 31 of the 32 NFL teams.</p><p>He believes he took advantage of his opportunity to impress the scouts in attendance.</p><p>“I was very disappointed I didn't get to go to the combine, but I guess not playing as many games my senior year, it's whatever. We'll see what happens. I feel like I did what I needed to do,” he said. “(My career) was very frustrating, just the fact that I couldn't finish what I started (because of injuries), but at the same time I came in every season and did what I had to do, just the little bit I did.”</p><p>Auguste actually began battling injuries early in his career, missing the Florida game, most of the Clemson game and the Iowa game during his freshman season in 2008 because of a hamstring injury.</p><p>He started nine games in 2009 and was a key playmaker at cornerback.</p><p>During his junior season he had his most productive campaign, playing in all 14 games with 10 starts at free safety. He was sixth on the team in tackles with 58 stops.</p><p>He transitioned back to cornerback before the 2011 season but was forced to request a medical redshirt because of a foot injury.</p><p>Despite battling injuries again during his senior season, he showed flashes of his playmaking ability with a key interception in USC's win over Arkansas and a fumble recovery that sealed Carolina's win over Wofford.</p><p>When Auguste arrived at USC, the Gamecocks were coming off a 6-6 season that didn't include a bowl game invite. He said it was great helping turn around the program.</p><p>“To win 22 games in two years, that's really big. I don't think that's ever been done here. We set the foundation,” he said. “My time here was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. I can't regret nothing that happened. I just loved being around my teammates and the group of guys I've been with and coaches. I had a great coaching staff.”</p><p>While Auguste saw time at different positions in USC's secondary, he doesn't have a preference of where he wants to play at the next level.</p><p>“A lot of people say a corner, nickel-type deal. I'm going to get in where I fit in. If it's special teams, I'm going to do that. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get my shot,” he said. </p><p>Auguste has a workout set for Wednesday with the Dolphins and admitted that after growing up in Hollywood, Fla., it'd be nice to go back home. But deep down he just hopes he gets a shot with some team.</p><p>“It doesn't matter. I just want to keep playing football. Wherever it is and whoever it's for, I'll be happy.”</p>